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When the concept of a recent progressive party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in joining.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and funding model – many expected this weekend's first major event would herald a fresh start.

Troubling Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the policies of the present administration and looking for a political home as they worry about the increasing popularity of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

However when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a mile from the location.

Governance Disagreement

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he supported a established hierarchical structure, with one person chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members chose this option.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being made by lay members – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, however, state she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was scathing about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she feels are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Conflict came to a head around midday when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson called this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the Electoral Commission – were furious, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “secondary event”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events turned into internal disputes when they would have wanted to focus on important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still desire unity.

Yet most delegates remained discouraged as they made their way of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by an individual delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a full bottle.”